The Bedford Historical Society Remembers Bob Slechta

December 21, 2012
Bob Slechta (l) examines old engravings of First Parish during a Lyceum presented by John Dodge in January, 2009. Also pictured are Betty Slechta, John Dodge, the late Mimi Adler and Meredith McCulloch  Image (c) JMcCT, 2009, all rights reserved
Bob Slechta (l) examines old engravings of First Parish during a Lyceum presented by John Dodge at First Parish in January, 2009. Also pictured (l-r) are Betty Slechta, John Dodge, the late Mimi Adler, and Meredith McCulloch Image (c) JMcCT, 2009, all rights reserved

Editor’s Note: Robert Slechta, a 50-year resident of Bedford and recent Citizen of the Year died earlier this week. This is an appreciation of Bob’s life submitted to The Citizen by the Bedford Historical Society.

Bob Slechta had a strong commitment to promoting and preserving Bedford’s history.  He was a member of the Historic District Commission for many years and of the Historic Preservation Commission and the Historical Society until his death.  Bob was also an active member and Director of the Friends of the Job Lane House as well as a member of the Friends of Bedford Depot Park and the Friends of the Bedford Public Library.  He was honored as Bedford’s Citizen of the Year in 2010.

His knowledge of Bedford’s history, and especially of Old Bedford Center, was probably more extensive than that of any other individual now living.  He shared his knowledge as a speaker at Historical Society meetings and for numerous other groups; conducted many tours of Old Bedford Center over the years; spoke at Bedford’s annual Memorial Day observances at the Old Burying Ground; and was the guide for all of Bedford’s third graders at the Old Burying Ground during their annual “Walk of Historic Bedford”.

One of Bob’s many contributions to preserving Bedford’s history was his work at the Old Burying Ground.  With John Brown, Helen Nowers and others he did much research to correct the information on Revolutionary Soldiers buried there, which is reflected in the bronze plaque now installed there.  His work was instrumental in obtaining grants from the Mass. Historical Commission that were matched with Community Preservation funds to repair and restore broken and deteriorated gravestones and tombs in the Old Burying Ground.  Later he coordinated with the Public Works Department in using John Brown Memorial funds from the Historical Society to reset many other gravestones to prevent damage to them.  He then led volunteers in removing lichens, moss and dirt from the ancient gravestones that restored their legibility.

Bob and his wife Betty were residents of Bedford for over 50 years ago.  He had retired from his position as a biology professor at Boston University in 1991.

Bob’s services to Bedford will long be remembered. A memorial service will be held in the sanctuary at First Parish on the Common on Sunday, January 27, 2013.

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